The weekly portion starts out with the Jews complaining to Moses about things but it ends with Balaam’s blessings. It is to teach us that sometimes we have to take a step back and see how others see us.
Looking at Ourselves Through Bilam’s Eyes
Parshat Chukat–Balak
This week, outside of Israel, we read the double portion of Chukat–Balak, and the juxtaposition of these two parshiyot presents a fascinating lesson.
In Parshat Chukat, the Torah seems to paint a picture of crisis and dysfunction. The Jewish people complain once again. Miriam dies, and with her passing the miraculous well that sustained the nation disappears. Aaron dies. The people are frightened and uncertain about the future. Moses, under tremendous pressure, strikes the rock instead of speaking to it and is told that he will not lead the people into the Land of Israel.
From the inside, everything appears to be falling apart.
Then comes Parshat Balak.
Balak, king of Moab, is terrified by the Jewish people and hires the prophet Bilam to curse them. Yet when Bilam looks upon Israel, he sees something entirely different from what we have just read. Instead of a nation in turmoil, he sees a people blessed by God. Instead of disorder, he sees unity. Instead of weakness, he sees strength.
The nation that looked so troubled from within appeared magnificent from without.
That contrast contains an important lesson. We often focus on our internal disagreements, our shortcomings, and our mistakes. We know where the cracks are because we live with them every day. But sometimes we fail to see what others see in us.
Bilam’s perspective reminds us that the Jewish people possess extraordinary strengths that are not always obvious from the inside. Even when we are arguing, struggling, or questioning, there remains a deeper unity that outsiders can recognize more clearly than we do ourselves.
At the same time, this lesson carries a responsibility. The Torah repeatedly teaches that our conduct affects not only ourselves but also how Judaism and the Jewish people are perceived by others. Many halachic principles are concerned with avoiding behavior that could create a negative impression. When people see Jews acting honorably, it reflects positively on Torah values. When we behave poorly, it can have the opposite effect.
This idea is especially relevant when we look back at the events of these portions. Korach’s rebellion, the people’s complaints, and even Moses’ mistake at the rock all demonstrate how internal conflicts can weaken a community. Yet Bilam’s blessings remind us that despite those flaws, there is something remarkable about the Jewish people that endures.
Sometimes we need to step back and look at ourselves through Bilam’s eyes. We should acknowledge our problems and work to correct them, but we should also remember the strengths that others see in us: our resilience, our faith, our commitment to one another, and our ability to remain a people despite every challenge.
The lesson of Chukat and Balak is that while we must never ignore our faults, neither should we forget our blessings.
Something to think about.
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